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Rock Bass

Rock Bass

Rock Bass are native to Wisconsin and widely distributed throughout the state's waters, though they're less abundant in the driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin. These members of the sunfish family are carnivorous opportunists with large appetites.

Scientific Name: Ambloplites rupestris

Also known as red eyes

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their deep, laterally compressed bodies, large terminal mouths, red to orange eyes, and 5-7 spines in the anal fin with 12 in the dorsal.
  • They typically measure 6-8 inches and weigh less than a pound, with coloring ranging from golden brown to olive with white to silver bellies.
  • Rock Bass can rapidly change color from silver to blackish to match their surroundings.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Wisconsin is home to the northern rock bass species, which prefers clear, vegetated waters with rocky bottoms and some vegetation.
  • Widely distributed throughout the state's waters.

Key Locations

  • Northern lakes, driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin (less abundant).

Specific Spots

  • Stone-armored shorelines, breakwaters, rocky lake margins, stream pools, drowned lumber, and bulrush beds in northern lakes.
  • Target isolated beds of bulrush adjacent to larger stands, drowned lumber, and areas where vegetation like cattails creates pockets or points.
  • Shallow to mid-depth flats (6-10 feet) containing patches of vegetation like milfoil and pondweed, around developing pondweed stands.

Rock Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Rock Bass in Wisconsin?

Rapala Husky Jerk HJ06 (2½ inches), 1½-2 inch Rebel Crawfish, 2-3 inch curlytail grubs on 1/8-ounce jigs, 3-inch tubes in green pumpkin Texas-rigged on 1/0 offset worm hooks with 1/4-ounce bullet sinkers, 1/8-ounce fox-hair jigs tipped with grubs or Zoom Tiny Salt Chunks, Rapala Original Floaters as large as F11 size...

When is the best time to fish for Rock Bass in Wisconsin?

Continuous season on general inland waters. Best action during spawning season from late May through June. Early summer fishing on shallow to mid-depth flats (6-10 feet).

How do you catch Rock Bass in Wisconsin?

Sight-fishing through large stands of bulrush, work quickly with downsized bass baits, target isolated beds of bulrush adjacent to larger stands, trolling Rapala Original Floaters effectively covers large areas, use much the same methods that work for bluegill species, and fish quietly near rocks or logs.

What do Rock Bass eat?

Feeding on insects, crustaceans, crayfish, smaller fish, dragon flies, fathead minnows, golden shiners, gizzard shad, worms, and leeches.

Where do Rock Bass live in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is home to the northern rock bass species, which prefers clear, vegetated waters with rocky bottoms and some vegetation. Widely distributed throughout the state's waters.

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